31 Days to Build a Creative Business: Where to Start {Day 1}

Are you ready to turn your hobby into an income-earning side business? Want to sell on Etsy? Are you interested in turning your passions into profit? Would you like to get paid for doing something you already love to do?

I’m Lisa Jacobs, owner of Energy Shop Jewelry: a spirited little spot where I sell gemstone jewelry and Feng Shui supplies. In that, I turned $100 worth of supplies into work-at-home freedom. When I opened the Energy Shop, I soon realized that I loved the business side of my shop as much as I loved making the products that I sell. I devoured marketing strategy, and I turned my hobby into a successful small business.

Together with Tim here on Handmadeology, I’m going to spend the next 31 days sharing tips on how you can achieve the same.

Where to start

Here on Day 1 of the series, I want to talk about where to start. Oftentimes, a creative spirit with a lot of great ideas gets caught up in the logistics of the future business they want to open. In fact, sometimes the uncertainty and unknown details are so overwhelming that these people walk away from their dreams altogether!

I want to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. I dream of a world fueled by creativity, where people lead glorious lives overflowing with passion and purpose. You can absolutely be one of them.

So to start, I’d like you to identify what is that you love to do. Name a talent or hobby that you would gladly do for free, and that you could not imagine yourself ever tiring of. That’s the spirit you have to bring to a successful creative business: a willingness to do what you love, even if it feels like you’re the only one who will ever experience it.

For now, don’t worry about profit. Don’t worry about the market. Don’t worry about the details. Simply name your passion, and we’ll have a starting point that’s pregnant with possibilities. Over the next 30 posts in this series, we’ll develop those possibilities into the real potential for success. Tim and I can hardly wait to get down to business. I hope you’ll join us!

We want to hear from you, and we would love to see your websites and shop… so in the comments below post your links, and let us know if you are ready to build a thriving creative business!!!

P.S. Tim and I mean business when it comes to helping you build yours. In fact, we’re launching a course to help you do just that: Build a Better Creative Business. Join us in this live classroom where proven experts in the field will show you how to organize your business plan and create your own success! Click here to find out more.

Hi Judy,
I was able to get my computer to print the article by going to “File” while I was using the internet browser and clicking on “Print.” It comes up as 12 pages (showing all the ads, graphics, comments, etc.), but you can print pages 2-3 if you want it in front of you.

Can’t wait toread the whole 31 days
Ihave a small papercraft business and really hope to improve it and i think your articles will help me do that
Please visit my store and let me know your opinion and your feedback
Rhank youhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/NoahScraps

I have an Etsy store and have done a lot of reading and doing about marketing. I’ve managed to increase my daily views but still have few sales. My prints sell really well in Galleries so I know my work is good. Is the Etsy market over saturated with art or do I just have to wait for the Christmas shopping season? Maybe I should just print my art on fabric and turn it into pillows. Please HELP before I give up completely! https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaneWilcoxsonStudios?ref=si_shop

I did not realize this was a new post. I kept looking for days 2-31 until finally I checked the date and realized today is day 1! Needless to say, I have subscribed by email and looking forward to the rest!

This is a great idea. I will take time for this because I am interested in getting exposure/sales to my Etsy shop, and open to critiques. I will also be working on my own personal website. So much to do!

I’ve been working at my lampwork bead and jewellery business for about three years now. my online presence is slow and taking up a lot of my “creation time”. I have had success in galleries, parties and shows but need to start getting a return on my website business.

Thanks for this
I’ve grown my business single handedly for the last couple of years and have to admit to being nearly worn out by it.I don’t want to be…I lovedoing it and love the buisness side of it equally, but I have no formal understanding of marketing or what it is that I need to plan to do, it’s all just gut instinct and I want to learn!..I need this …a fresh look and a reenergising injection of what you guys have to offer
(www.taxiride.net.au)

Hi, I’m a few days behind on my email but just picked this series up and can’t wait to read the rest!!! I have been running my Etsy shop (www.bramalfiebeadsetc.etsy.com) seriously for the last year and I’m seeing month on month improvements but I’m still not where I want to be!! Hoping to pick up some valuable tips from this series.

That sounds like a nice & realistic plan, Sharon. I think you’ll get a lot of the series we’ve got here. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and learning more about your business! Thanks for your comment.

What a fab series!!!
It’s so interesting to look back and see what you were drawn to as a child too …. I spent way too long being sensible and following an academic path, and found my passions and interests and, now I look back, I can see clues from way back!!

I am looking forward to reading every post, and hopefully, your webinars will be scheduled at a time when I can attend or I can at least listen to a recording.
I’ve been an Etsy Seller since April of 2007 (ByCoco is my shop name). As I approach 60, I’m hoping to spend less time on other commitments and spend more time in my studio creating.

Yes!! Very excited for this venture. It’s come at a prefect time for me as I’m just starting up my online Etsy shop, ‘French Vintage Me’, as we speak. Love to know more about Product Photography – My etsy shop is FrenchVintageMe!

I’m a little late to the party, but am looking forward to catching up and learning how to sell more of my handcrafted items! I started my Etsy shop almost 2 years ago and really love the fact of creating and selling my own things. I will be doing lots of reading in
between my creating! Thank you for this series!

I am sooo looking forward to these posts! I’m a bit late to the party, just finding out about this series today…but I so needed this! While my etsy shop gets lots of views/favorites, sales are few and far between…any advice in turning this around would be greatly appreciated!

Just started reading the posts and am excited to read more. I have a website and shop at http://www.shopubbu.com. I make pendants and wine charms from scrabble game pieces. Come visit us, would love to hear what you think.

I’ve been so busy raising a 3 year old that I’m even behind in reading the first posts you sent out. I will try to catch up on all the days. I started a jewelry business almost 3 years ago but I haven’t been able to dedicate time to it. I now have my son in preschool 3 days a week and I’m ready to get serious about my business. I m excited about this post and the knowledge you are willing to share. I think it came at just the right time in my life! I got my web page and now I need to set it up and get the ball rolling. Not to mention I will have time to spend designing and creating jewelry now. Here is to looking forward toward success and not backward to past mistakes and failures!

I would like to work smarter not harder. With all of the things competing for your attention it possible to be making thing are marketing 24/7. I want be able to pick the most effective strategies to grow my business and make the best of my time https://www.etsy.com/shop/AldanaArt

Love this! I’m a little bit behind, but look
Forward to reading and getting inspired! I’ve recently felt overwhelmed and walked away from my business dreams, so I’m hoping this will get me back on track.

I keep hoping something is going to be the thing that sticks and gets my shop moving. It has been a slog but I am making steady improvement and this is TRULY my passion so I don’t want to give up! Here’s my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamapicturethis

I was just pointed to this series today. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can boost my online presence. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. My shop is https://www.etsy.com/shop/LKPhipps my website is LKPhipps.com

Hi ^^
First of all, thank you so much for writting this articles and to spend time thinking about others and trying to help us out. I have a store, I make recycled wallets and although I don’t get lots of sales I still have the passion and the will to keep making my ReWallets. Maybe one day they’ll get all adopted and we’ll finally have a worldwide recycled fever!

I just found this, but I’m starting on Day 1 and going to read one post each day! Thank you for this! My shop is a little crazy right now, because I’m spreading my talent across a few different platforms.

They are all listed under my shop at DajonSmiles.com. Thank you again and have a beautiful day! <3

I was too thinking about how to convert hobby into business. And in initial stages we do feel giving it all up because of the uncertainties associated with creative business. Your website is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.

You article is very encouraging. I already open a shop the day before yesterday.And I decide to follow your footprint to achieve success. Your shop and mine have a lot in common,which means your way to run business can be applied to my shop very well.
It will be highly appreciated if you are willing to pay a visit to my shop and give me some useful advice.I know it’s a lot to ask. But I long for success so much.
The link below is my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pearlpalace

Just started reading this series although I’ve had an Etsy shop for four months now. I’ve had one sale so far and would really like to improve on this, especially for Christmas. My shop is http://etsy.com/uk/shop/Merryflowers

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Elliesweddings is what I have so far…I really LOVE making these and sold one (the $35 one) and get views each day, but I don’t have much for a budget nor do I have time all day to follow up with my site (I work 60 hours per week and have 3 kids). I would love some serious critiquing and input…even if it’s not what I want to hear. Thanks!

I am just learning about teams and treasuries and am still a little confused on them. I love tooling leather and can’t wait to do more, learn more, sell more and get better at what I do. Thanks for the articles.

My fiancé and I have been selling on Etsy now for about a year and a half. Sometimes we do really well, and other times we sell only a few items a month. I know our product is awesome and it just seems like you have to pay extra to get your product to show up higher in the search. I want so badly to make this turn into full time pay and not just a hobby. Hopefully you can help! http://www.etsy.com/shop/JeffWelshGlassworks

This is so awesome! I can’t wait to see what you both have to say! I have an Etsy shop: LetMamaMakeIt and my blog: http://www.onadailybasis1.wordpress.com. I’m a stay at home mother and enjoy sewing and writing, but would like it to turn into a small business! My goal is to one day own my own small business! Thanks for all the input!

I’ve been helping my mother run her Etsy shop for almost 2 yrs now, https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristinesKnitandSew, and my hubby & I just opened our OWN shop yesterday! So far only 6 sales, but hey, not bad for the first 18 hrs! We’re excited, slightly impatient, but it took a bit for my mothers shop to get going. So hang in there! I can’t WAIT to learn about “smarter” ways to get sales!! Thanks so much for all your hard work!

This sounds all to good to be true. I’m excited to follow the rest of this article, hoping to get some really great ideas how to kick start my business. I have been making and selling things for kids for about 1 year now, but have been through hard times where I was close to giving up. I LOVE my sewing part of the job, but I guess I totally underestimated how hard it is to make some sales. Everyone always responds to my products, saying they are cute, well made or whatever – but that doesn’t bring the money in. So I played around with lots of different ideas now to see if that helps in any way. My views have increased and I do get sales every now and then, but it’s far from what I would like it to be. So… I’m ready for this challenge and would appreciate any advise, seriously!!! Have a look at my shop and share your thoughts with me. I can handle critique very well: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CheekyStitches
Thanks
Hanka

Hi ! I opened my shop back in Dec once I was off maternity leave & I’m a stay at home Mum =] I too would love to see my business thrive – the extra cash sure wouldn’t hurt either =] Can’t wait for the 31 days of info !! JoyofLittleCreations.etsy.com

I started a photography business about a year ago. I sell my photography on mixed medias including wood, metal, and canvas. I also sell greeting cards. I live in Boulder, CO and my photography does well around town but my etsy shop, not so much. Finding the time to load products and descriptions is one of my downfalls. I would like the online sales to increase, obviously. Check out my sites

This is just what i need…some help & advice. I have very recently started a business selling packaging & paper goods. I plan to sell to stores as well as develop an online business. I live in the UK and am not sure how big the Etsy market is here. There has been a fair bit of traffic to my Etsy site but this is not converting to sales!!! Would appreciate some feedback.

I thought about how to convert hobby into business. And in initial stages we do feel giving it all up because of the uncertainties associated with creative business. Now I am a fashion designer with http://www.Kalkifashion.com .Your website is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing these ideas.

Well, I read your post and found it informative. People find it hard to convert their hobby into a business, but your post is very helpful and will make it easier. Thanks for sharing it. I also love to manufacture artworks. So, I started a handicraft manufacturer and exporter. Here is the link http://www.handicraftsinindia.in

I look forward to all 31 posts! I am new to this and am excited! Thank you for posting these helpful tips! My mother in-law asked me if I ever thought about selling jewelry… that’s what got me started and I love it!

About Lisa Jacobs

I'm Lisa Jacobs: Owner of the Energy Shop and Author of Market Your Creativity and The Rescue You Program. I'm from Pittsburgh, PA and currently living with my husband and our four children in Wellington, New Zealand. I have a passion for self-discovery and personal transformation. I like to spend my free time enjoying family, friends, spirituality and business books, Oprah, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills :).

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